Teaching Ahead, an interactive project jointly developed by Education Week Teacher and the Center for Teaching Quality, is designed to bring greater exposure to the ideas of standout classroom educators on the future of their profession. Each month, selected teacher panelists will be asked to respond to and discuss key issues in education policy and instructional practice. The discussions are intended to help inform the national conversation on the direction of public schools.

Do Teachers Need More ‘Grit’?

In recent months, the term "grit"—tenacity, resilience, or perseverance—has been popping up in discussions about student success. Many researchers and educators argue that grit is a critical factor in students' academic performance. Now, a new study of novice educators in high-needs schools suggests that teachers with higher levels of "grit" may be more effective than their peers—and less likely to leave the classroom.

How do this study's findings compare to your own experiences as an educator? How important is "grit" to teacher effectiveness? Should school leaders and policymakers seek to hire teachers with more "grit" or focus their attention on other factors affecting teacher retention and effectiveness? If you were a policymaker, which would you prioritize?

By Kathleen Melville March 19, 2014 at 10:54 AM

It's one thing to be able to identify the grittiest new recruits; it's another thing to make teaching the kind of profession that attracts smart, reflective, highly educated people, Kathleen Melville says.

By Laura Thomas March 19, 2014 at 10:04 AM

Stop searching for ways to build illusive qualities like grit. It's a trap that will only divert us from our real goal: high quality, supported, well-prepared teachers for every child, in every classroom no matter what.

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Teaching Ahead is inspired by the vision of teaching and learning set out in Teaching 2030, co-authored by 12 teachers and Barnett Berry. Join @teachingquality for a #CTQchat every 3rd Thursday, 8:30-9:30 p.m. ET.